January 30, 2021
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has sent a second letter to Health Minister Yvette D’Ath, querying what’s happening at the Kingaroy Hospital redevelopment.
On January 27, Mrs Frecklington asked what was being done to fix the leaking roof at the new hospital.
She has followed this just two days later with questions about the building demolition currently taking place for Stage 2 of the project.
“Currently, building demolition is under way on the ‘Boomerang Building’,” Mrs Frecklington wrote.
“According to previous plans for the redevelopment and information available online, the Boomerang Building was to be fully refurbished, not demolished.
“The Darling Downs Health website states: ‘The current wards will be totally refurbished for specialist outpatients, renal dialysis and transfusion / tele-oncology clinics’.
“On behalf of the South Burnett community, I seek clarification on the following:
- Why is the Boomerang Building being demolished rather than refurbished?
- Is asbestos present in the Boomerang Building and how is it being safely handled (currently, the demolished area is completely exposed)?
- Is this change in redevelopment plans the reason for the increase in budget from the original cost of $62 million to $92.5 million?
- Why was this major change in plans not communicated with the community?
“I ask that you give this matter timely and due regard.”
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We believe that the Boomerang Building does NOT contain asbestos. The building contract was awarded to Sommer & Staff, a building firm from Brisbane. Our building company was awarded the sub-contract to construct most of the work. We believe this work was carried out around 1989-1990.
It is a shame that the building couldn’t have been saved and refurbished. Compliance with current codes and standards may have made it not practical to save.